Shepherd is right person at right time

As a first-term governor for the American Numismatic Association, I have been involved with making a number of decisions that were complicated, necessary and sometimes not without controversy. The guiding principle that the entire board follows has always been that we will do what is right for the association and its members.

Choosing a new executive director was one such decision that we made during the recent National Money Show in Phoenix. The Search Committee had done its job by narrowing 37 applicants down to six persons who were interviewed in Chicago and then to two finalists who were interviewed by the entire board in Phoenix.

From my perspective, two attributes were critical. Did the individual have a good background in numismatics, ideally from both a collector and dealer viewpoint, and did the individual have a strong background in business (particularly finance and personnel aspects)? Frankly, I wasn?t sure we would be able to find an individual that filled both of my wishes.The good news is that I believe we did. Two strong candidates were presented to us. Larry Shepherd, soon emerged in my mind as the right person in the right place at the right time for the American Numismatic Association.

Larry has been a collector for 45 years, starting in early childhood, and has been a professional numismatist, well respected and known in the numismatic community for over 18 years. As the ANA moves rapidly forward to further its goals and objectives, he understands the needs and desires of all parts of the numismatic community. Larry knows many of the key players and they know and respect him.

Of equal importance, Larry has nearly two decades of business experience in finance and banking, which will be extremely valuable to the ANA as we rebuild the organization?s underlying financial foundations. Larry has also been a professional manager of people, having significant first-hand exposure to hiring, training, coaching and positioning employees for success in their jobs. This will be invaluable as Larry assumes day-to-day control of the association?s Colorado Springs headquarters.

Larry is comfortable and has experience in a Board of Governors reporting relationship as he worked with a number of outside client boards and trustees during his banking and finance career.

I firmly believe that Larry Shepherd meets the ANA?s needs for an effective executive eirector who will help lead us into a bright and successful future.

Wendell Wolka is a member of the board of governors of the American Numismatic Association.Viewpoint is a forum for the expression of opinion on a variety of numismatic subjects. Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Numismatic News.To have your opinion considered for Viewpoint, write to David C. Harper, Editor, Numismatic News, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990. Send e-mail to david.harper@fwpubs.com.

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